Healthy Pumpkin Protein Balls with Maple and Toasted Pecans
Cozy, naturally sweet, and packed with protein, these no-bake maple pumpkin pie protein balls are a healthy, vegan-friendly grab-and-go breakfast or snack. Warm fall spices, creamy nut butter, and a touch of maple make every bite irresistible—without ever turning on the oven.
Ingredients
- ½ cup pumpkin purée
- ½ cup nut butter almond, cashew, or peanut
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup rolled oats
- ⅓ cup vanilla protein powder (plant-based or whey)
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds or ground flaxseed
- 1½ teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
- ¼ teaspoon cinnamon
- Pinch of sea salt
- ¼ cup chopped toasted pecans
- For additional moisture: milk of choice
- Optional: 2 tablespoons mini dark chocolate chips or dried cranberries
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, mix together all of the ingredients until well combined. Fold in toasted pecans and any add-ins such as chocolate chips or dried cranberries, if using.
- If the mixture feels too soft, refrigerate for 10–15 minutes to firm up slightly. If the mixture is too dry, add in milk of choice until the mixture is soft enough to mold without crumbling apart. (Note: different protein powder brands can affect consistency, so some adjustments will need to be made.)
- Scoop and roll into 1½-inch balls (about 12 total). Wet your hands slightly to keep the dough from sticking.
- Chill for at least 15 more minutes to fully set. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week or freeze for longer storage.
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Kori's Tips
For more helpful hints, substitution ideas, cooking tips, and other delicious recipes check out my post above.
TIPS: Use a cookie scoop to portion evenly and keep your hands lightly damp when rolling to prevent sticking. Toasting the pecans adds a rich, nutty depth. If the mixture is too sticky, add 1 tablespoon of extra oats at a time until it's easy to roll. If the mixture is too dry, add in 1 tablespoon of milk of choice at a time until it's easy to roll and the mixture doesn't crumble. Remember that the chia seeds and oats soak up moisture in the balls as they chill in the refrigerator, and will become drier.
VARIATIONS: Make them vegan by using plant-based protein powder. Swap pecans for walnuts or sunflower seeds for a nut-free option. Add shredded coconut, dried cranberries, or other berries for different flavor profiles.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS: Enjoy as a grab-and-go snack, post-workout bite, or mid-afternoon pick-me-up with a hot cup of coffee or chai. Pack them in lunchboxes or keep them in the freezer for quick snacking.
Nutrition
Calories: 141kcalCarbohydrates: 12gProtein: 10gFat: 8gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gTrans Fat: 0.002gCholesterol: 9mgSodium: 59mgPotassium: 147mgFiber: 2gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 1591IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 48mgIron: 1mg
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